Health Reforms: SWAP Coordinator Highlights Progress, Future Plans 

The national coordinator, Sector-Wide Coordinating Office – T Programme Management Unit, Dr. Muntaqa Sadiq.

The national coordinator of the Sector-Wide Coordinating Office – T Programme Management Unit (SCO-PMU), Dr. Muntaqa Sadiq has outlined significant achievements in Nigeria’s health sector reform, emphasising accountability, resource coordination and state-level engagement.

These reforms come at a critical time as Nigeria faces pressing health challenges, particularly high maternal and infant mortality rates.

Speaking on the sidelines of the quarterly meeting of the ministerial oversight committee (MOC) for the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), Sadiq revealed that 19 states have completed their Annual Operational Plan (AOP) processes, with all states expected to finalise theirs by the end of the month.

The BHCPF, a key component of Nigeria’s drive toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), plays an essential role in expanding access to quality healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations. Established under the National Health Act of 2014, the Fund is sustained through at least one per cent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) and contributions from development partners.

“This marks a crucial step toward improving Nigeria’s health sector management and achieving the long-term goals set by President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” Sadiq stated.

He emphasised the importance of alignment, noting, “In this coordinated effort, we are ensuring that every state adheres to the ‘one plan, one project, one report’ framework. So far, 50 per cent of states have submitted expressions of interest and met all key eligibility criteria. It’s encouraging to see such high levels of participation.”

The SWAP office has been working closely with national partners and state Ministries of Health to improve resource management across the country. “Additionally, 36 states have completed a ‘G2LG level step-down’ of AOP training, standardising the approach nationwide,” he added.

Addressing the critical issue of maternal and fetal mortality, Sadiq reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to reducing these rates through innovative, community-focused strategies. “Maternal mortality remains a top priority for the ministry. By identifying root causes and developing tailored solutions, we believe we can drastically reduce these tragic deaths,” he said.

He also highlighted efforts to improve financial management within the health sector, with $ 570 million allocated to the OPC and an additional $250 million to the OPR, to bolster health programmes across states, particularly in enhancing human resources for health.

Looking ahead, Sadiq announced a joint panel review scheduled for next month, which will focus on creating a baseline for future health sector evaluations. “The review will coincide with the release of the 2023 National Council on Health report, providing a clearer picture of the sector’s current state, especially in terms of maternal and fetal mortality trends. We hope this review will set a precedent for future evaluations and lead to actionable plans that address data discrepancies,” he noted.

As Nigeria’s health sector evolves under the SWAP framework, Sadiq commended the dedication of health partners and ministry officials, describing the reforms as a collaborative effort. “We are moving steadily towards realising our goals,” he concluded.

The success of these reforms, he emphasised, hinges on the continued support and active participation of all stakeholders, reinforcing the collective responsibility to improve healthcare access and outcomes for all Nigerians.